- The Summer Solstice marks the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Earth’s North Pole tilts closest to the Sun, causing the Sun’s highest sky position.
- “Solstice” means the Sun appears to stand still before changing direction.
As summer approaches, the Northern Hemisphere anticipates the Summer Solstice 2025, marking the longest day of the year. This astronomical event occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined towards the Sun, resulting in the greatest number of daylight hours and the shortest night.
When is the Summer Solstice 2025?
The Summer Solstice 2025 will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:42 PM EDT (0242 GMT on June 21). The exact moment signifies the beginning of summer and the peak of daylight for the Northern Hemisphere.
Why Does the Summer Solstice Occur?
The summer solstice occurs because Earth's North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its highest point in the sky. This alignment results in extended daylight hours, with early sunrises and late sunsets for regions in the Northern Hemisphere.
What Does "Solstice" Mean?
The term "solstice," derived from the Latin "solstitium" (meaning "sun stands still"), refers to the point when the Sun's apparent motion in the sky pauses before changing direction.
Historical Significance of the Summer Solstice
The solstice traditionally symbolises the start of summer and has captivated civilisations for millennia. Ancient Greeks like Eratosthenes used the solstice to accurately measure Earth's size. Structures like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu were strategically built to align with the sun during solstices, and in Egypt, the Great Pyramids and Sphinx align with the solstice sunset, demonstrating ancient peoples' deep understanding of the Sun's movements.
Earth's Tilt and Its Impact
Due to Earth's tilted axis of approximately 23.5 degrees, the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight at its most direct angle during the solstice, while the Southern Hemisphere enters winter, experiencing its shortest day and longest night. At the solstice's precise moment, the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, an imaginary line 23.5 degrees north of the equator, marking the beginning of the Sun's southward journey.
